Flu vaccine encouraged among vulnerable groups and care workers as figures reveal overall effectiveness

Vulnerable groups, including care workers, older people, pregnant women and children are being encouraged to have the latest flu vaccination after figures published revealed the overall effectiveness of the 2014-2015 vaccine.

The latest report, for Public Health England (PHE), published in Eurosurveillance revealed that vaccination was 100 per cent effective against influenza B and 35 per cent effective against strain, influenza A, in people up to the age of 18.

In addition, the report found the vaccine was 34 per cent effective against circulation strains of flu in adults, highlighting the overall effectiveness of the vaccine as being 29.43 per cent effective against influenza A and 46.3 per cent effective against influenza B.

Director for health protection and medical director for PHE, Professor Paul Cosford, said: “In recent years, we have typically seen around 50 per cent (ranging from 25 to 70 per cent) effectiveness for the flu vaccine in the UK, and there has generally been a good match between the strains of flu in the vaccine and those that subsequently circulate. However, last year we saw a slightly lower vaccine effectiveness than usual.

“Whilst it’s not possible to fully predict the strains that will circulate in any given season, flu vaccination remains the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus which can cause severe illness and deaths each year among at-risk groups. These include older people, pregnant women and those with a health condition, even one that is well managed.”

Adults including healthcare workers, therapists and other healthcare professionals are encourage to have the latest vaccine, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system, or living with a respiratory problem.

NHS Choices offers guidance on how to avoid catching flu, tips include: washing hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and warm water, ensuring surfaces are cleaned regularly to remove germs, using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and disposing of tissues in the bin immediately.